[Seraphine's POV]Not answering and not rejecting either.Not nodding in agreement either.After my statement was uttered, all I got was this horse-drawn carriage starting to move along the road. The golden horse propelled both of us, creating a pull from the wheels that defied gravity.Inside the carriage, I sat alone in silence. Observing something that felt familiar, like the first time Jesse had just met me.‘Is it just my feeling, or does Jesse seem to be reverting to his original self?’ I thought, suddenly feeling anxious.‘Oh, it can't be. He couldn't possibly find it strange when I asked to return to Silverbrook Haven village, right? It's a village so close to the Cassian Kingdom. It shouldn't be an issue for him.’Although I thought so, discomfort about Jesse's response, which seemed so odd to me, lingered in my mind.Throughout our journey, all I could do was dwell on negative thoughts. Unfortunately, I realized something too late.That the reason behind Jesse's cold demeano
[Seraphine's POV]"First, I want to know why you're so daring to enter this village. Even Prince Cassian never visited this village alone."'Wow.' I was amazed by his question.Not because he was asking a sensitive question. But because he was talking about the shortcomings of his prince, Cassian, in front of me, who was supposed to be his future wife.I knew that servants weren't allowed to speak ill of their masters. Especially since Jesse was an Alpha born into the same family as Cassian. Criticizing Cassian would be like revealing his own family's disgrace.And Jesse here had truly changed his demeanor. I was confused about what action to take first."Cassian has his own reasons for not coming to this village alone," I said. Finally, I managed to speak up. "And I came here because it's my duty.""What?" Jesse seemed unhappy with my answer, which seemed to have a double meaning. "But, Miss. You're pregnant!"I tugged at the corner of my lips, forming a smile. Before him, I gave tha
[Seraphine's POV]I laughed in front of him, "I'm actually nothing more than a slave, Jesse. Prince Cassian kindly bought me, and it's my duty to repay his kindness. So, this is all my responsibility."Jesse seemed even more shocked as I continued to express my truth to him. He was completely silent, wide-eyed and staring at me. Not only that, his hands appeared to be trembling.I started feeling a bit sorry for causing him to panic. I guessed the scenario in his mind was that I was actually a new fated mate for Cassian.'He doesn't know that we're both here because of an arrangement. If he knew all my true stories, Jesse might faint.' I thought, finding his reaction a bit amusing."Alright, Jesse. Let's put our conversation aside for now and revisit it later. Now, can I ask for your help? In order to access Estella's memories, I at least need to touch her hand.""Are you suggesting that I should exhume this omega's grave?" he asked with a stuttering voice.Then, when I nodded, I saw
[Seraphine's POV]"Jesse, I'm not sure you can lift that coffin up here," I said. It felt like I winced just looking at the huge and thick coffin. And the depth of this grave almost reached two meters. If I accidentally stepped back and fell in, I might die. Or at the very least, I wouldn't be able to climb back up again."We don't need to lift the coffin, Miss. I just need to bring the body up here for you to examine," he replied."Right." I fell silent for a moment. "True. Why didn't I think of that?"Jesse smiled at my words. With his lips still curled, he began to inch his way down into the grave, treading on the textured soil wall."Please be careful, Jesse," I said with my own sense of anxiety. I leaned forward to watch Jesse's condition down there, becoming increasingly less visible over time.And I wondered, how could Jesse bring Estella's body up here? The grave's height alone is two meters. He couldn't possibly expect me to carry Estella's body from down there, could he?"Mi
[Seraphine's POV]"What did you see, Miss?"I could already guess that Jesse would ask that immediately.Even so, it didn't mean I was ready to answer it right here. Because what I just saw in Estella's memories was similar to the memories I saw in another Omega back then."Jesse, it seems like this news isn't good to hear for you," I answered. "Because it's related to the Maximilian family. And it's bad news."He responded with a serious gaze filled with curiosity. I hoped to give him a clear initial picture of what I was about to say. And I hoped Jesse could understand.At least, so he wouldn't ask me anything else."Please tell me, Miss. Whatever it is. I'm ready to hear it."Jesse's answer was truly unexpected and beyond what I could predict."So ... Are you ready to hear it?" I confirmed once again.And why was it me who sounded unprepared?I took a deep breath to find some calm. This wasn't good; I had experienced this vision twice now, and it felt irrefutable. The first time, I
[Seraphine's POV]"There it is! That's what I've been looking for!" I suddenly exclaimed in my heart."Jesse, we're leaving here now. No need to sneak into Cassian's palace to search for evidence or clues. Because we've had it since earlier."My words sounded messy and rushed, not unlike my steps that were wobbling away.Jesse's earlier explanation felt like the final piece of the puzzle that completes the series of strange riddles I've been trying to solve.First. After finding out that the noble Maximilian family was hiding something from their society, a dangerous magic or curse, I tried to find out who activated it in the first place.Second, that curse was directly linked to the deadly virus spreading in Silverbook Haven village. In other words, the person who created the curse is also responsible for the virus.And third, Dorian Phoenix. If what Jesse said is true, that he's the last descendant of the family that created the curse, then he's my primary suspect in this case!"Mis
[Seraphine's POV]The information Jesse provided didn't help me find a breakthrough. Instead, more questions kept popping up in my head.Why would an entire noble Alpha family perish without a trace?How could the virus be created when the curse's owner had already passed away?And does Cassian know about this? How much does he understand about the curse in his family?I felt like I needed to discuss this with Cassian. Whether he likes it or not, he's the one I can ask for answers right now.So, I asked Jesse to drive the horse carriage again. The two of us decided not to continue touring Silverbrook Haven village. Instead, I needed to get information from Cassian, who was closely related to Dorian Phoenix.________"Jesse, could you help me a little?""Of course, Miss. It's my duty to fulfill any of your wishes.""I need you to drive this horse carriage slowly and avoid heavy bumps. From now on, I will try to enter the memories of this horse carriage. I need to concentrate as much as
[Seraphine's POV]Rather than worrying about my own condition, I am more concerned about Jesse's safety here.He's innocent, just an ordinary Alpha who sacrificed his status as a loyal servant of the Maximilian family to help an omega slave like me.And he willingly shared all the secret information about his family, even though I'm an outsider here.I won't let Jesse get hurt. Not as long as I still have strength. And I won't let Jesse's kindness go in vain.Thanks to him, I was able to identify the most suspicious person, the primary suspect in the virus outbreak case in Silverbrook Haven village._______________"We ... We're safe! We managed to return safely!"Several servants who witnessed our arrival exchanged looks at my tumultuous entrance.The commotion had its reasons. After enduring a long journey for five consecutive hours without rest, without feeling safe even for a moment during the journey, we finally made it back to the Maximilian Kingdom. Without a scratch.No one kn
Jesse's eyes glinted with determination as he focused his magical energy. The air around him crackled with frost as he channeled his ice magic, forming intricate patterns with his fingertips. With a swift gesture, he unleashed a powerful surge of icy energy toward Dorian Phoenix, freezing the very air around him."Impossible!" Dorian cried out in shock, his movements slowed by the encroaching ice. "How dare you interfere with my plans!""Now, Miss Seraphine!" Jesse shouted, his voice cutting through the icy wind. "Finish him while he's vulnerable!"I nodded, my determination burning brighter than ever. With newfound strength, I summoned the shadows, melding them into a powerful force. The darkness wrapped around me like a protective cloak as I lunged at Dorian, my movements swift and decisive."You think you can defeat me?" Dorian snarled, trying to break free from the icy prison Jesse had created. "I am invincible!""I won't let your arrogance stand," I replied, my voice steady and u
[Inner Power][Seraphine, there might be another way,] the inner power spoke, its voice calmer now we have cleared this argument.[Instead of stopping time, which would drain a considerable amount of magic, consider manipulating Dorian's memories. If we can alter his perception, we might create an opportunity for Jesse's escape without risking your energy too much]"But how do I manipulate his memories without him noticing?" I asked, intrigued by the new idea yet uncertain of its feasibility.[Focus on a specific memory, something powerful and emotional,] the inner power advised.[It could be a moment of joy or triumph that he experienced. If we can alter that memory slightly, it might create confusion in his mind, giving Jesse the chance to break free.]"I'll need all the concentration I can muster," I replied, my determination renewed. "But if it means keeping both Jesse and our child safe, I'm willing to try."
[POV Seraphine] Heart pounded in my chest as I watched Jesse, the loyal and fierce warrior, standing tall against the onslaught of ten alphas, each driven by a savage determination to end Cassian's life. The clash of steel against steel, the snarls of the alphas, and the resolute determination etched on Jesse's face created a chaotic symphony of battle. Jesse moved with fluid grace, his every movement calculated and precise. His sword danced in the air, deflecting blows, parrying attacks, and striking back with a deadly accuracy that left the alphas on the defensive. Despite the overwhelming odds, Jesse fought with unwavering resolve, a testament to his loyalty and dedication to protecting Cassian. The alphas lunged and snarled, their claws slashing through the air, but Jesse evaded their attacks with a combination of speed and skill. His movements were like a mesmerizing dance, a deadly ballet amidst the chaos of battle. With every strike, he pushed the alphas back, refusing to yi
[Seraphine’s POV] Rage burned within me as I confronted Dorian, the source of my anguish and the architect of our torment. He stood there, his eyes gleaming with malevolence, a cruel reminder of the pain he had inflicted upon us. The scars of his past atrocities marred his features, a testament to the darkness that resided within his soul. "Dorian," I hissed his name, my voice laced with a lethal combination of anger and sorrow. "You think you can destroy us, manipulate time to suit your sinister desires? You've taken Cassian from me twice, but I won't let you succeed again." His laughter echoed through the chaos of battle, a chilling sound that sent shivers down my spine. "Oh, Seraphine, you're as predictable as ever. Your love for Cassian blinds you to the true power I wield. I've seen the depths of your despair, tasted the bitterness of your failures. You're nothing but a pawn in this grand design." The mere mention of my failures fueled the fire within me. Determination replac
A jolt of anticipation and fear gripped my heart as the transferred magic surged within me, its newfound power tingling in my veins. With eyes widened in surprise, I focused my mind, allowing the energy to guide me in my search for Cassian. My heart pounded in my chest as I channeled the newfound magic within me to locate Cassian. The forest around us seemed to blur as my consciousness extended, reaching out like tendrils of ethereal energy. Images and sensations flooded my mind, and then, there he was – Cassian, my beloved, but he was not as I remembered him. Shock washed over me, freezing me in place. Cassian, the epitome of strength and resilience, was now in a dire state. His once vibrant aura was dimmed, surrounded by an ominous darkness that seemed to seep into his very essence. His eyes, once filled with determination, now held a glimmer of desperation. "Jesse," I gasped, my voice barely a whisper. "We need to find him quickly. Cassian is in grave danger." Jesse's eyes wide
[POV Seraphine] Battle had left me drained, my energy reserves depleted, and my magic waning. I stood amidst the aftermath of the fierce conflict, my chest heaving with exhaustion. The tendrils of my spatial and temporal magic slowly dissipated into the night, leaving me feeling vulnerable and exposed. Jesse, too, looked weary, but his presence remained a comforting anchor amidst the chaos. I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for his timely intervention and unwavering support. Together, we had managed to overcome the sorceress's malevolent power, but the cost had been high. I gazed at the sorceress, now defeated and powerless. Her once formidable demeanor had crumbled, and she lay on the ground, breathing heavily, but devoid of the dark energy that had fueled her. The threat she posed had finally been extinguished. However, the victory did little to alleviate the exhaustion that weighed on my shoulders. The relentless battles, the emotional turmoil, and the imm
[POV Seraphine] A sense of reluctant acceptance settled within me as I acknowledged Jesse's presence and the need for an unexpected alliance. We stood together, united by the urgency of our mission. "Alright, Jesse," I said, my voice firm. "Let's work together. But we need a plan, something that can help us defeat the sorceress quickly before she can cause more harm." Jesse nodded in agreement, his eyes sharp with focus. "I have a suggestion," he began, his tone steady. "The sorceress draws her power from darkness and chaos. If we can disrupt her connection to that source, we might weaken her enough to strike a decisive blow." I considered his words, the logic in his strategy apparent. "But how do we disrupt her connection to darkness?" I asked, my mind racing to find a solution. Jesse's lips curved into a thoughtful smile. "I've encountered similar situations in the past. There's a ritual, a powerful one, that can sever a sorcerer's link to their source of power. It requires pre
[POV Seraphine] My breaths came in ragged gasps, the edges of my vision blurring from exhaustion, when an unexpected presence gripped the air. Both the sorceress and I stiffened, our eyes widening in shared astonishment. A powerful aura emanated from the figure approaching, an aura tinged with an ancient, primal energy. "Who ... who are you?" I managed to choke out, my voice barely audible. The words hung heavy in the charged atmosphere, but the mysterious alpha remained silent, their identity shrouded in an enigmatic silence. The sorceress, too, seemed taken aback, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Another interruption?" she sneered, her confidence momentarily shaken. "Do you think a mere alpha can change the course of this battle?" The mysterious alpha's silence was deafening. Their presence alone seemed to shift the very essence of the forest around us, commanding attention and respect without uttering a single word. A profound sense of unease settled over us, like a storm ga
The battle raged on, the clash of magic echoing through the ancient trees like thunder. Every spell I cast, every bolt of energy I conjured, drained me further. The sorceress was a relentless force, her attacks coming like a torrential storm, each one wearing down my defenses.With every passing moment, weariness crept into my bones. My limbs felt like lead, my breaths came in ragged gasps. The relentless assault of the sorceress pushed me to the brink of surrender. Doubt gnawed at my resolve, whispering that perhaps I couldn’t win this battle, that I should yield.The sorceress, sensing my exhaustion, grinned triumphantly."Feeling the weight of your futile resistance, Seraphine?" Her voice dripped with malice. "You can't keep this up. You're just a mere mortal, after all. Give up, and I might spare your pitiful life."Her words struck a chord of fear within me. For a moment, I wavered.Could I continue to fight? Could I protect my family ag